| Inspection tools & technologies
a long-time client of ours,” Donegan said. “They’re one of the largest utilities in the US, and their territory includes several hurricane-prone states like Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina.” As the hurricanes barrelled across Duke’s service
area, the utility faced an overwhelming task: identifying damage across thousands of square miles and deciding where to deploy limited resources. Traditional methods like aerial surveys or on-the- ground inspections would have taken days and posed significant safety risks. That’s where Satelytics came in. Using real-time
satellite data, the company’s software provided a comprehensive before-and-after analysis of the affected areas. “Within hours, we could tell them which power lines were down, where flooding was most severe, and what infrastructure needed immediate attention,” Donegan said. The insights were fast. Utility crews rely on accurate information to ensure they can work safely in hazardous conditions. By pinpointing areas of concern, Satelytics helped Duke prioritize repairs and restore power more quickly to the communities that needed it most. “We didn’t wait for purchase orders or formalities,” Donegan emphasized. “When a disaster strikes, you act. That’s what we did, and Duke was incredibly appreciative.”
The science behind the speed Satelytics’ ability to deliver such rapid insights lies in
its unique approach to data analysis. The company works with satellite providers like Airbus and Planet Labs to collect high-resolution imagery, which is then processed using proprietary algorithms. “Think of it like baking a cake,” Donegan said.
“The satellite data is the raw ingredients – the eggs, flour, and sugar. Our software mixes and bakes those ingredients, turning them into a fully finished product: actionable insights.” Satelytics also uses advanced techniques like
stereo imaging, which allows it to create 3D models of terrain by combining multiple satellite shots taken seconds apart. This capability is particularly useful for monitoring changes in elevation, such as rising water levels in reservoirs or land movement after heavy rains. “The technology is incredibly versatile,” Donegan said. “We use it for everything from detecting algae
blooms in hydroelectric facilities to identifying methane leaks in oil and gas pipelines.”
Beyond disaster response: a global impact
While hurricanes highlighted the urgency of Satelytics’ work, its applications extend far beyond disaster scenarios. The company serves clients in industries ranging from utilities to environmental management, helping them solve a wide array of challenges. One notable success story involved monitoring algae blooms in Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes bordering the US and Canada. Algae blooms, fuelled by agricultural runoff, can clog hydroelectric turbines and disrupt power generation. Satelytics worked with a hydroelectric facility to detect early signs of blooms, allowing operators to deploy preventive measures. “We identified the presence of phosphorus,
chlorophyll, and other markers that indicate algae growth,” Donegan explained. “By acting early, the client avoided costly downtime and protected their equipment.”
In the oil and gas sector, Satelytics has helped companies detect leaks in pipelines and retention ponds, preventing environmental damage and regulatory penalties. “One of our clients monitors their infrastructure almost daily using our software,” Donegan said. “It’s about staying ahead of the curve.”
A commitment to sustainability As industries face increasing pressure to reduce their
environmental impact, Satelytics is stepping up
Above: Actionable alerts highlight areas of concern
Left: Rapid delivery of actionable alerts made possible by AI
www.waterpowermagazine.com | December 2024 | 29
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45
